We headed out for a drive yesterday to see if we could find some Sandhill Cranes. Until a decade ago they were rarely seen here, but now they seem almost common; you may remember we have seen 1000 or more in a huge migratory flock, feeding on corn left behind after harvest. That happened in early November two years ago. This time Mrs. F.G. had seen a Facebook post showing Sandhill Cranes 'near Elsinore'. So off we went.
When we got to Elsinore (west of Owen Sound on the highway to Southampton) we headed north on a sideroad, and before long discovered this group of four marching across a winter wheat field. The Cranes separate into pairs and nest in the many wetlands around here during the summer, largely out of sight, then start gathering as family groups in the fall to be ready for migration.
This is a typical stance of the cranes as they walk across a field searching for food. They basically eat anything, from plants and seeds to invertebrates and small animals or birds.
Although all these shots are cropped down dramatically from shots with my Nikon 200 mm. zoom and are therefore a little blurry, this shot does show the red patch of feathers on their head.
A treat to see those Sandhills! I hear them passing over in the Spring. An unmistakable sound.
ReplyDeleteThe four marching along in a procession, all they need is a leader with a trumpet!! Love the red touch, they are magnificent. I wonder how far they fly to winter over?
ReplyDeleteAnother comment, I Googled Sandhill Crane wintering over, and found some very good data from the University of Nebraska, Info gathered from banded, GPS fitted and other means of location devices. It seems they fly long hours each day, and winter over in Florida or Northern Georgia. But I know your research expertise will be far better than mine, and as the cranes start off in your own area, you might have more to offer, on these magnificent birds when they move south.
ReplyDeleteSandhill cranes are such impressive-looking birds. You were fortunate to see so many. Great photos!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots of the cranes! What a treat to see so many!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen them up here but have seen them in Florida. How lucky were you to see this group!
ReplyDeleteThey look graceful.
ReplyDeleteWe don't see the Sandhill Crane over here, but Common Cranes are increasing in number. Splendid birds.
ReplyDeleteI don't see them here, and I haven't seen any of the local wildlife shooters post any either. One expects bird photos to be well cropped. There's not much you can do about it unless you really have dedicated and high-priced gear.
ReplyDeleteanother bird i do not see here...i don't know why but i thought they were exclusively a "down south" bird!! awesome captures!! you have to love Facebook for the information it provides!!
ReplyDeleteImpressive at a distance. I imagine they’d be a bit threatening close to.
ReplyDeleteWe get sandhill cranes here in the winter. They are fun to watch, and I love their call.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds, you were fortunate to see so many. We had one near here last winter, the first I've seen in years.
ReplyDeleteSandhill Cranes are truly magnificent birds. We have seen countless numbers of them in southeastern Arizona years ago. I love their 'weebling' calls. The first Sandhill Crane I ever saw was about 25 years ago south of Galt Ontario of all places.
ReplyDeleteThey are so dramatic. One day I hope to go to our mid-country and see their gathering. I better schedule it soon!
ReplyDeleteGreat sandhill shots. Those usually head south through Nebraska next to our state. People like to see them in the spring.
ReplyDeleteNicely done! I've seen two. Once. One year!
ReplyDelete